Ottawa

Travel Guide
Photo provided by National Capital Commission

Ottawa Travel Guide Video

Canada’s gorgeous capital offers an array of galleries, museums, nature parks and historic sites, making it the perfect cultural and romantic escape.

Canada’s stylish capital, Ottawa, is a city rich in arts, heritage and sciences. The city blends ultra-modern and Victorian Gothic architecture, balances technology with nature and offers cuisines from across the globe.  

Begin your stay with a trip to the historic Parliament Buildings on Parliament Hill. Visit the Library of Parliament and the iconic Peace Tower. These Gothic Revival buildings are adorned with gold-leaf ceilings and ornate images of Canada’s past. Explore Centre Block and listen to political debates in the House of Commons and the Senate. Continue your appreciation of Gothic Revival-style architecture at the Notre Dame Basilica, a Canadian National Historic Site. Admire the terraced galleries, stained-glass windows and altars rich in adornments.

The nation’s capital has plenty of galleries and museums to explore. Follow the history of modern warfare at the Canadian War Museum. Learn about the country’s place in the history of flight at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum and marvel at how humans have developed at the Canadian Museum of Civilization. See old art masters and learn about new ones while discovering Canada’s rich cultural heritage at the National Gallery of Canada.  

Ottawa is a city for all seasons with winter snow activities and summer hikes. Discover heritage estates, natural beauty and the rich biodiversity of the popular Gatineau Park. In the summer, boat on the Rideau Canal, an internationally recognized World Heritage Site. Skate on the canal in the winter when it transforms into the world’s largest naturally frozen skating rink. 

Ottawa is an easy city to navigate, with most of the attractions located within walking distance of each other. Check the opening hours of museums before you go since they can vary depending on the season and day of the week. Peak season is during the summer months from June through August and the low season is from November through April.

Where to stay in Ottawa

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica showing a city, a church or cathedral and religious elements

Downtown Ottawa

4.5/5(617 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Ottawa. Check out top attractions like Rideau Centre and Byward Market Square, and jump on the metro at Rideau Station or uOttawa Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Ottawa
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Kanata

Travelers come to Kanata for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Canadian Tire Centre and Kanata Centrum Shopping Centre while you're in town.

Kanata
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Nepean

Nepean is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Nepean Sportsplex or Bayshore Shopping Centre.

Nepean
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Orleans

Orleans is noteworthy for its shopping, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Princess Louise Falls and Petrie Island Park.

Orleans
Ottawa featuring snow

Centretown

4.5/5(135 area reviews)

Known for its ample dining options and fascinating museums, there's plenty to explore in Centretown. You can visit top attractions like Elgin Street and Museum of Nature, and jump on the metro at Parliament Station or Lyon Station to see more of the city.

Centretown
Byward Market featuring markets, outdoor eating and street scenes

ByWard Market

ByWard Market is beloved for its popular shops. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Byward Market Square and Rideau Centre.

ByWard Market
The Business Inn
The Business Inn
2.5 out of 5
180 MacLaren Street, Ottawa, ON
The price is ¥16,935 per night from May 6 to May 7
¥16,935
per night
May 6 - May 7
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Ottawa. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (6,404 reviews)
"Convenient"

Reviewed on May 3, 2024

The Business Inn
Fairmont Chateau Laurier
Fairmont Chateau Laurier
4.5 out of 5
1 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON
The price is ¥22,783 per night from Jun 1 to Jun 2
¥22,783
per night
Jun 1 - Jun 2
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Ottawa. Enjoy 3 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,632 reviews)
"Always feel like a star coming here! It’s a GREAT hotel!"

Reviewed on May 2, 2024

Fairmont Chateau Laurier
Novotel Ottawa City Centre
Novotel Ottawa City Centre
4 out of 5
33 Nicholas St, Ottawa, ON
The price is ¥23,103 per night from May 5 to May 6
¥23,103
per night
May 5 - May 6
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in Ottawa. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,509 reviews)
"Just an excellent hotel overall, and not overpriced!"

Reviewed on May 1, 2024

Novotel Ottawa City Centre
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Les Suites Hotel Ottawa
Les Suites Hotel Ottawa
3.5 out of 5
130 Besserer St, Ottawa, ON
Book a stay at this spa aparthotel in Ottawa. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (3,737 reviews)
"Staff was very friendly. Easy check in. Parking garage has limited large vehicle parking. We paid to use the garage but had to park outside as there were no spots left for the truck. If you are planning to use the kitchen, bring your own dish soap."

Reviewed on Apr 28, 2024

Les Suites Hotel Ottawa
Sonder The O'connor
Sonder The O'connor
3.5 out of 5
377 Rue O'Connor Street, Ottawa, ON
Stay at this aparthotel in Ottawa. Enjoy a fitness center, parking (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (353 reviews)
"Suited my needs perfectly. Had it for 28 days, and it was perfect."

Reviewed on Apr 30, 2024

Sonder The O'connor
Sonder Arlo
Sonder Arlo
88 Albert Street, Ottawa, ON
Stay at this aparthotel in Ottawa. Enjoy a fitness center, laundry facilities, and concierge services. Popular attractions Byward Market Square and National ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (87 reviews)
"We were in room 200, which is at the back of the building. The ventilation was terrible - we had smells (food, cigarettes) coming in through the vents, and couldn't open the window when we cooked so all our clothes ended up stinking. The location and facilities were good though - good gym and laundry ..."

Reviewed on Apr 30, 2024

Sonder Arlo
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Ottawa

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
443
" "5 - Excellent 57.83289817232376%
4 - Good
268
" "4 - Good 34.9869451697128%
3 - Okay
47
" "3 - Okay 6.135770234986945%
2 - Disappointing
6
" "2 - Disappointing 0.783289817232376%
1 - Terrible
2
" "1 - Terrible 0.26109660574412535%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 21, 2020

The local people were very nice and I enjoyed spending my time there.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Mar 19, 2020

Ottawa is okay. There are some people, it did not make me feel anything one way or the other.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 17, 2020

It was a beautiful city with friendly people and a lot of good food, shopping and events. I've recommended it to all of my friends from the U.S.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 2, 2020

Very clean and friendly city, Will go back to see all the other places we didn't have time to see. Everyone made us feel at home. Wonderful :)

5/5 - Excellent

Kaila
Feb 29, 2020

Ottawa is like the Washington DC of Canada. If you're a history buff or you love beautiful architecture you'll be surprised at how lovely and underrated this city is.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Feb 26, 2020

The City is Beautiful, Clean and Hospitable. The people are absolutely lovely and I will return, again and again.

Cities near Ottawa